Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Yesterday, Ellen Tauscher (D-CA), reintroduced the Military Readiness Enhancement Act to the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation, if passed by Congress and signed by President Obama, would officially end the military’s Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Policy (DADT). Since 1993, dedicated Gays and Lesbians who have proudly served their country have been forced to keep secrets and be dishonest. Since then, more than 12,000 Gays and Lesbians have been discharged for breaking the DADT policy.

The time for action is now, and here's what you can do to help. (You can do all four in less than 15 minutes).

1. Ask members of Congress to end DADT. Start with Representative Tauscher (and others on the House Armed Services Committee) by letting her know she has your support. Her number is located below.

2. Call your own US Representative today. Voice your support for an end to the military's DADT policy. Ask him/her to join the 144 House members who have already signed on as cosponsors. It’s time, once and for all, that all men and women who are fighting to defend our country be treated equally. Your phone call will make a big difference.

3. Send an email to your US Representative using the Servicemembers Legal Defense Network website (click here). By simply entering your zip code, you can send an email to your congressional representative within a few minutes. They have a preformatted letter which can be sent as is, or you can add/edit/tweak to your liking. Click "Send," and you're done.

4. Most important. Tell your friends and family to join our effort to end DADT.

You can bet that this legislation will be met with fierce resistance from several Republicans and maybe even a few Democrats. They will vigorously oppose, as they always have, the rights of Gays and Lesbians regardless of the facts. We have to look no further than the recent results of California’s Prop 8 election to know the challenge we face. Although the political climate has never been more favorable, we must not lose sight of the tough battle ahead of us.

It’s estimated that 65,000 Gays and Lesbians are serving in the armed forces today. Please make your voice heard for them now. Below the fold you will find Rep. Tauscher’s Washington D.C. phone number and a recent interview she did with Think Progress.

To find out who your own elected US Representative is, simply go to VoteSmart.org and enter your zip code. There you will find a link to your Representative’s website.